What are some newer model alternators that have been put into our older model cars?

I noticed the newer Tahoe alternators are 140amps! and these are usually pretty small in size.

I have a chance to get a mid 90s alternator for $20 that puts out 105amp and is AC delco p/n 321-1035 crosses to a GMA005N. It's just an overstock piece the someone is wanting to get rid of. Might make a nice office paper weight?

I think the one on my car now is from a later 80s camaro and has 95 amps. I don't have the P/N off hand, but will tray and get it later on tonight.

I have a CS-130 105 A alt in my Chevelle. Same clocking and everything. Alternator is smaller, lighter and puts out more amps at idle. I referenced a '89 Corvette for the parts rep. You can also do a CS-144 and get anywhere from 124 to 140 A. It is a little bit bigger and heavier, but supposedly more reliable. I have not had any problems with my CS-130. You can reference something like a 92 Corvette or anything else that has the same 6 o'clock/12 o'clock mounting.

ok I will tell the parts counter "kid" to punch in a 92 corvette and see what comes up. My 95 amp is about 7 years old. Still working pretty well, but since adding the powered sub woofer in the truck, my charging is right at 12V with the lights on at a stoplight.

I would love to get one of the smaller body sized alternators and tuck it away down low on the motor on the passenger side.

so $120 for the 120Amps is better than the motor city if you have the core to exchange, but the motorcity is the better deal for needing more current. I really think 120 will do for most any chevelle. I mean, my 95 amp model is pretty old and it hands dual windstar fans, HEI ignition, after market radio and sound system with all lights on ( even one blinker). It was just borderline at 12 volts on the meter.

I like being able to go down to Autozone and swap out the unit if something goes wrong (even if I blow it up those people will swap it out )

Check-out the RockAuto site and you can pick the various vehicles and look at pictures of the alternators. The CS-130 is a good alternator, but it didn't have very good cooling. They make an 'Iceberg' kit for it that helps dissapate the heat better, but I haven't had a problem with mine. The CS-144 was the replacement for it.

This is the info I found out having lengthy discussions with manufactures and prominent rebuild shops when I needed to upgrade mine.

The common issue with small case (older) alternators is they can have trouble with heat when pushed over 100amps. Not all do, just more likely. The small case unit I got from jegs with 120amps lasted just over a year. As well, these pumped up units tend to have trouble charging at lower rpms. With an oversized pulley you can even have trouble charging at cruise speeds.

The issue with newer larger case units is the size. They are about 1/2 different on the bolt hole. Usually causes alignment issues and belt tossing. Why someone has not come out with a bracket with this in mind I don't know. If someone wants to take that idea and run with it....Please do.

Any of them can be converted to single wire setup. Just some cases are harder to switch out the unit than others. Alternators are easy to clock so that really isn't an issue.

I use a 140 amp large case alternator from a 94 cady that I converted to single wire. And yes had belt tossing issues above 6k rpm. I now use a smog pump bracket from an 85 chevy pickup to mount it low on the passenger side by the fuel pump. I can wind it up over 7k with no problem. Granted mine is a small block setup, so not sure for big block, but the lower radiator hose from the same year truck also has to be used.

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Wheres that money tree hiding and who forgot to water it?

This one is 100 amps, only takes a wire from the ignition switch, a battery lead and a wire from the battery lead into the plug. Clean install, easy wiring. Came in the GMPP serpentine kit. I can get a part number if needed.

The one in the El Camino is a 100 amp from an 89 Camaro. Looks about the same as above and fits the same. The battery terminal on it is different. Just replaced it at cost of $97 from NAPA.

To wire a high amp one wire unit is simple. Run a wire straight from the alternator to the positive post on the starter (my choice) or straight to the positive post on the battery. I buy the terminal wires from the parts store that are pre-made for late model Ford vehicles with a starter solenoid. I think it is a 4 gauge. I will double check the size for you.

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